Jump to Section

Top Illinois RN to BSN Programs

Currently, about fifty percent of the three million RNs practicing in the United States possess bachelor's degrees. By 2020, however, 8 in 10 nurses will be expected to hold BSN degrees, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). Since that figure is only expected to rise as we go forward in time, progressive-minded nurses who would like to stay ahead of the curve are enrolling in RN to BSN programs. They're doing this because they know that not only does holding a BSN increase their job prospects, but it ups their earning potential and positions themselves for future career advancement in the field. But with so many academic institutions offering RN to BSN programs, finding the top ones can be tedious and time-consuming. Not to worry, though. To help you along in that process we've put together a list of the top programs in the state of Illinois.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Illinois

Choosing which RN to BSN program you'll enroll in is a serious decision. While you look at Illinois RN to BSN programs, consider the following attributes:

  • Total cost of attendance
  • Class sizes
  • Acceptance rate
  • Pass rate
  • Instructor experience
  • Length of time the program has been operating for
  • Program accreditations, accolades, or awards
  • Retention rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Cost of living in the immediate area
  • Partnership with local hospitals or healthcare facilities
  • Percentage of graduates who found jobs (gainful employment information)

Testing and Certification

Because ADN-educated nurses have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam, RN to BSN students will not need to pass the exam for a second time following the completion of their program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Illinois

1. Chamberlain College of Nursing

Chamberlain University is a private, for-profit healthcare and nursing school that operates campuses across the United States. CU offers students an online RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed in as little as three semesters. Upon finishing the online portion of the course, students will complete their clinicals wherever they're employed at. Some courses that students will encounter during the program include Transitions in Professional Nursing, Collaborative Healthcare, Community Health Nursing, and More. The program boasts a faculty-to-student ratio of 1 to 25 or less.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
  • Adventist Hinsdale Hospital

Tuition:

On average, students enrolled in Chamberlain College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program pay less than $17,000.

2. Methodist College

Methodist College is a private college located in the city of Peoria that offers students a 30 semester credit hour, online RN to BSN track that can be completed in less than a year if taken full-time. MC's program curriculum seeks to expand on ADN-educated nurses’ knowledge in evidence-based practice, leadership, and population health. In addition to the online coursework, students will be required to show up in-person for two on-site practicums. If they want, students can choose to complete the program in a part-time format. Courses students will encounter during the program include Integration of Foundation Concepts, Organizational Systems, and Community & Population Health, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois
  • Kindred Hospital Peoria
  • Unity Point Health Methodist

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Methodist College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay $19,800 in tuition plus additional fees.

3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Founded in 1957, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university that's located in the city of Edwardsville. SIUE offers students an online 30 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program. The program consists of 8-week courses and can be completed in as little as three semesters or one calendar year. During the program, students will encounter courses like Health Assessment Strategies, Pathophysiology, and Care of Population, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Gateway Regional Medical Center
  • Anderson Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville RN to BSN program can expect to pay a total approximate cost of $9,090.

4. Western Illinois University

Founded in 1899, Western Illinois University is a public university that's located in the city of Macomb. WIU offers students an online, 37 semester credit hour RN to BSN program that can be completed in just four semesters. During the program, students will take courses like Transcultural Nursing, Genetics in Healthcare, Pathophysiology & Psychopathology, and more. In addition to the online coursework, students are expected to complete an in-person clinical/practicum.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • McDonough District Hospital
  • Culbertson Memorial Hospital

Tuition:

Both in-state and out-of-state students who enroll in Western Illinois University's RN to BSN program can expect to pay $10,952 in tuition plus additional fees.

5. Northern Illinois University

Originally founded in 1895, Northern Illinois University is a public research university located in the city of DeKalb. NIU offers students a 33 semester credit hour RN to BSN bridge program that can be completed entirely online. The program, which students can generally finish in about a year, has three enrollment opportunities per year and can be taken on a full or part-time basis to ensure maximum flexibility for students. Courses that students will take while enrolled in the program include Nursing Informatics, Processes for Nursing Leadership, and Gerontological Nursing, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital
  • Kindred Hospital Sycamore

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Northern Illinois University RN to BSN program can expect to pay about $11,511 in tuition plus additional fees.